Delheim’s mini-Jazz Fest in the heart of the winelands returns

Celebrated Stellenbosch wine destination, Delheim Estate is proud to announce the return of its top-notch mini-Jazz Festival and a line-up of some of the best South African talent.

Hosted in partnership with the renowned Cape Town Music Academy (CTMA), their popular jazz-and-fondue events will take place every Sunday from 3 July until 28 August this year.

“We’re incredibly happy to welcome back fantastic musicians and the fans after the temporary, pandemic-related hiatus,” says Delheim Executive Director Nora Thiel. “The jazz has certainly become as big a highlight, if not bigger, as the cheese fondues we traditionally serve as part of the event at this time of the year.”

The hearty cheese fondues are served with relevant accoutrements and are popular not only for their flavours, but also as a way to beat the chills of cold Cape winter Sundays.

“Delheim is one of the mainstays of the Cape Jazz calendar,” says Cape Town Music Academy Projects Director and Cape jazz dynamo Luvuyo Kakaza. “With some of the hottest talent of the local scene scheduled to play, it is going to be another cracker for jazz-lovers.”

Inevitably, it’s the first act that sets the tone and there are few better to herald the season at Delheim than Hassan’adas. Under leader multi-instrumentalist John Hassan, this ensemble to perform on July 3 blends original African rhythms and sounds with influences from musicians all over the globe to create a unique jazz sound.

John Hassan Quartet perform on July 3

John’s extensive performance background includes collaborations with Miriam Makeba, Stimela, Hugh Masekela, Brenda Fassie, Manu Dibango, Moses Molelekwa, Simply Red, Sibongile Khumalo, Jimmy Dludlu and Loading Zone.

On July 10, it’s the turn of pianist and composer Ramon Alexander. This ensemble has performed at numerous local and international music festivals, notably the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Borneo International Jazz Festival, The Darling Music Experience as well a residency at No Black Tie Jazz Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2019. Alexander has two albums to his credit and in addition to his performances, is a jazz lecturer at Stellenbosch University.

Ramon Alexander Quartet perform on July 10

Accomplished jazz singer and songwriter Babalwa Mentjies follows on July 17. She has performed in various venues and festivals, and with well-known musicians including Feya Faku, Neil Gonsalvies, Sazi Dhlamini. The Quartet at Delheim comprises George Werner (piano), Bongani Sotshononda (chromatic Marimba) and Carlo Fabe (drums).

And that’s just the start. The complete line-up comprises:

3 July: Hassan Adas Quartet;
10 July: Ramon Alexander Quartet;
17 July: Babalwa Meintjies and quartet;
24 July: Mark Fransman Homage Quartet;
31 July: Bongani Sotshononda Quartet;
7 Aug: Sean Sanby Quartet;
14 Aug: Thandeka Dladla and trio;
21 Aug: Keegan Steenkamp; and,
28 Aug: Nobuhle Ashanti.

Thandeka Dladla and trio perform on August 14

Details about tickets:

Tickets to the Delheim Jazz & Fondue events are R450 per person with the cost covering the live entertainment, complimentary Glühwein on arrival, the cheese fondue-for-two including bread and vegetables, as well as a decadent treat to end off on a high note. Tickets exclude all beverages and meal add-ons. Bookings will be per pot – serving parties of two of four.

Estate wines will be on sale and each lunchtime show runs from noon to 15:00.

Reservations should be made via Quicket.

For more information about the winery in general, visit www.delheim.com or contact Delheim at info@delheim.com or 021 888 4600. Also find Delheim on Facebook, Twitter @Delheim and Instagram @delheimwines.